New motor

[BAcon]

Ok some how the galant is still going at a guess of around 2k+ miles since the exhaust started blowing, sounds like a tank but still going

upped the budget a bit and I have found a 03 bmw 530 diesel manual, FBMWSH 1 owner from new, 80k miles, all the extras and looks pretty mint, he wants 6.5k for it, which to me seems top whack for an e39?

Any advice regarding this car would be much appreaciated, i.e at what milage should I expect to see the bills start rolling in? Is it overpriced etc?

Cheers

 

[rodenal]

That's silly money for that car, my dads last e39 530d on what I think was an 03 was sold for 6k which at the time was somewhere between trade and retail 2.5 years ago.

They are not a cheap car to fix. You're right on the kind of age and mileage to need all 4 corners worked on suspension wise

Did you try any mazda 6 estates? Giid car for the money they go for assuming you don't mind putting a clutch in at some point

Wouldn't touch a 3k accord diesel, I would also be surprised if you could get much over 42/3mpg though clearly that's still a massive improvement.

 

[DB_SamX]

I have a celica and can tell you that for long distance driving it gets old fast. Harsh ride coupled with 3500rpm at motorway speeds is not what id call relaxing. Great car though in my opinion, but probably not the one for your needs. Reliable as a boss though.

Gen 7? If so, I'd agree. I sometimes wish I had cruise control and drive on Motorway at less than 3500k rpm. I don't find the ride too harsh though.

 

[Scania]

Ok some how the galant is still going at a guess of around 2k+ miles since the exhaust started blowing, sounds like a tank but still going

upped the budget a bit and I have found a 03 bmw 530 diesel manual, FBMWSH 1 owner from new, 80k miles, all the extras and looks pretty mint, he wants 6.5k for it, which to me seems top whack for an e39?

Any advice regarding this car would be much appreaciated, i.e at what milage should I expect to see the bills start rolling in? Is it overpriced etc?

Cheers

It has the capacity to not need anything doing or a few jobs that could be best part of £1k each within a year, it depends on many factors!

£6.5k seems high to my mind, and personally, despite being more than used to diesels, I would not replace my e39 528i for a 530d, despite its miles!

I bought mine last year @ 263k , its probably cost me £1.2k in servicing & repairs in the last year, its currently on 273k.

If you want an e39, buy on condition , not age & miles! avoid diesels, try to find a similar (i.e. 1-2 owner FBMWSH) 528i or 530i for at least a grand less than that one & keep the change in a bank account as one day it will bite you in the pocket!

Good luck in the search - you'll probably need it tbh - such examples are not ten a penny by a long stretch alas.

Do a search for Fox's e39 guide.

 

[[TW]Fox]

What do you want?

A reliable, dependable car to get you 20k a year with minimal fuss, hassle and expense?

Or much better, nicer car that will require money spent on it to get it up to scratch and money spent on it on an ongoing basis to keep it that way?

If the former, don't buy an E39 5 Series. If the latter, go for it. Just make sure you are happy with higher ownership costs than, say, a Honda Accord. A set of rear tyres on the 18 inch sport wheels for example are £420.